The Worst Album Covers of 2009

There are album covers that are illuminating works in their own right, covers that reveal hidden depths to the music inside, and covers that advance the state of the graphic designer's art. And then there are these 20. Our annual tradition highlighting the worst cover art of the year-- goofy, offensive, amateurish, and puzzling, it's all here-- continues with the dregs of 2009. Not safe for people at work or those prone to nausea.

Bruce Springsteen:Working on a Dream

In simpler times, the Boss would've just put his tight ass in blue jeans in front of an American flag. Even with Bruce celebrating his 60th birthday this year, I think we all would have preferred that. There's a chorus on this album that goes, "I had my good eye to the dark/ And my blind eye to the sun." We'll take the apology however we can get it.

Chris Brown:Graffiti

Chris Brown's latest album, brought to you with limited commercial interruptions by Terminix.

Claude VonStroke:Bird Brain

There Is a Bird on My Head was too literal.

Cymbals Eat Guitars:Why There Are Mountains

Despite the best efforts of this homeless kid and his sad dog, we're nowhere closer to understanding why there are mountains.